“We owe Thorn. You can always count on us if your pack ever needs help. Raul will see it the same way,” Mario said, playing with a few of the buttons.
“Mario, we haven’t been down here that long, have we?” Bella asked and looked around for a clock.
“The men left about two hours ago.” He looked over at her. “I told you I was going to keep you busy.”
“Well damn, we didn’t even put a dent in those bags. Does this mean the fighting is over?” Bella asked and looked at the monitors that showed the area around the house. “I don’t see the cars or anything. Are they okay?”
“I’ve felt a disturbance in the link I share with my brother, but I really don’t want to try to contact him. It might distract him,” Mario said, glancing back at the monitors. “Fuck, we’re in trouble. Looks like the fight has come here.” He looked at Bella. “They knew you weren’t in the car.” He pointed to the back monitor.
“What is it?” Bella asked, trying to get a closer look.
“That is my uncle, and I have a feeling those are a few of Thorn’s men. Charley, if your uncle Herminio is as powerful as you say, my guess is that he knew you weren’t in the car,” Mario said and glanced back at them. “I need you three to go back into that room, find some decent clothes and put them on. If things get too bad, we’ll have to slip out and head to the airport.”
Bella shook her head. “No, we’re not. This is going to end here.” She looked at Charley, who smiled and cracked her knuckles.
“I’m ready anytime you are, sister,” she said, and they both turned to Missy, who was grinning.
“There’s no need to ask. Why don’t we give them something to look at?” Missy said.
“No!” Mario growled and stood, sending his chair flying backward. “You would distract them and get someone hurt, including yourselves.”
The alpha in him was so strong that Bella almost gave in to his demands, but her need to help her mate was stronger. “I don’t need to be seen to help,” she whispered and moved back to the bedroom, where she dug through the bags with Charley.
“You know we could shift and use our wolf?” Charley said.
“I can’t. I’m more useful like this.” Bella looked at her. “You know this.”
Charley nodded. “Well, then, I guess I’ll have to use some of Momma’s spells to help us.”
Missy laughed. “I’m afraid all I have is my cat, but I can hold my own.” She shook her head at the clothes. “They’ll hinder my shifting.”
“Damn, you’re big and beautiful,” Bella said after Missy had shifted. “Just don’t get hurt; your man will kill me otherwise.”
As Bella dressed in a shirt and brown pants, she could have sworn Missy snorted.
“I forbid this!” Mario said behind them, shutting the door and locking it.
“He did not just lock us in here,” Charley growled, going to the door. “Yep, he sure did.” She spun around and looked at Bella.
* * *
Raul took to the skies, furious and worried about Bella. They had taken care of the first round of the enemy without any problems and had neutralized five of the seven witches and wizards. When he had heard the order to head back to the house, he was glad Thorn was there protecting it with two of his uncles,.
But his mate had a punishment coming. Knowing she and Charley had planned to distract the enemy was enough to send him over the edge. His brother had the three women confined to the bedroom, but with Bella’s gifts, he didn’t know how long they would stay there.
Lucid was already on his way to the house and would get there ahead of him. Meanwhile, Tank ran below Raul with about half of his pack. He smiled; Herme and Maria would be right beside Lucid.
“What the—”
A gunshot rang out from below, and Raul flinched as the bullet scrapped his shell, thankful for the protection his gargoyle provided. He saw he shooter and turned to take the man out, but Tank beat him to it. Now that the guy’s head rolled onto the ground next to his body, he wouldn’t be shooting anything else.
Yes, Tank was an excellent second, even though Raul would miss his brother. He changed directions again, moving toward the house, which was now in sight. His uncles and Thorn’s men were fighting off those trying to get through to Raul’s home, and Raul could see at least ten bodies... One of his uncles seemed to have a wound on his arm but was otherwise fine, and Raul knew it would heal before the fight was over.
But when he got close to the house, what he saw had him speechless. Bella kneeled on the ground with her hands buried in the dirt. Her long hair blew all around her as energy shot from her body, encompassing all those around her. Charley and Missy stood around to her sides, protecting her.
He landed in front of Bella, growling, and Missy and Charley stepped in front of her.
“Let her finish,” Charley hissed.
The ground shook and little cracks opened up around him. Behind him, men screamed, and wolves and other howled as if hurt.
“What is she doing?” he snapped, shifting back to human form as Tank, Herme, Maria and Lucid moved around them.
Maria cocked her head to the side and stepped forward. “She’s good, but this is taking a lot out of her.”
“Again, what the hell is she doing?” he growled.
“Cool your jets,” Bella said, bowing her head, taking a few deep breaths. “I did what I can. Only a few are left, but I believe your men have them.” She stared up at him, and her eyes were dark red. Power radiated around her still. “We should be okay now, if Adora took care of the other threat.”
Adora walked out with Gael next to her. “Herminio is hurt, but he got away. My son won’t be back for a while, so you are safe. But Raul, warn your siblings, because from what I could see, his next target will be Mario’s mate since he failed here. He wants to find her before Mario does, but he won’t be able to do anything for at least a month,” Adora said as she and Gael helped Bella up.
“Pull the energy back into yourself. It will help heal you and restore you,” she told Bella.
Raul’s stomach knotted and his fangs and claws came out at the thought of his mate being hurt. The ground shook all around them until Bella reached him and wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest.
“I’m fine. I just got scratched getting out here. Oh, and someone might want to go untie Mario,” she mumbled.
Her touch calmed him and the fangs and claws disappeared. “You tied my brother up?” Raul growled and looked down to see her smiling up at him.
“Well, how else could we get out here? Did you know he had the gall to lock us up in the bedroom? Please, like that would keep us contained. Plus, no one locks me up.” She patted his chest and turned as Mario stormed outside.
“I’m taking every damn purse back!” Mario snapped, moving toward her.
Instinct took over and Raul thrust Bella behind him, snarling. “Don’t.”
Mario stopped and sighed. “I wouldn’t have hurt her. I might have spanked her ass, but I’d never hurt your woman, Raul,” he said, backing away, giving Raul the room to gather himself.
“Sorry, Mario. All of this has me stressed to the max.” He turned to Herme. “Have those we haven’t gotten left, or are they going to make one more attempt? Bella, get in the house now and go to our room. Wait for me there.” He turned his gaze on her. “You know what I want,” he snarled. “Mario, you get to pick the paddle for her after you escort the women inside.” He turned to see Thorn running toward them.
Raul stepped aside, allowing Thorn to see his woman, who whimpered and lowered to the ground still in cat for. The male panther snarled and moved around the smaller female.
“Let’s give them some privacy, shall we?” Raul said and moved toward the house. “How did they get out of the room if Mario was tied up?”
Mario snorted as he walked ahead of them. “No doors can keep your woman from escaping. You’ll need new doors. Think dust,” he said, waiting for Bella to enter the house bef
ore him.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Raul—”
Raul shook his head. “Inside. I’m furious right now, and I need time to calm down.” He looked at Lucid, who hadn’t said anything. The man was stiff as a board, his fangs were protruding, and his eyes had turned pink.
“Lucid?” Raul stopped walking and waited for him to calm himself.
“It will take me a few minutes to calm down, but I’ll be all right. We’re going to have to figure out a way to contain our woman, because this can’t happen again.”
“It won’t.” He took a deep breath, turning to see Thorn pushing Missy toward the rocks and privacy. Behind them, Raul’s pack made their way toward him, waiting for orders. Raul glanced back at the house and new Mario would make sure Bella waited for him in the proper way while he dealt with the pack.
He turned his attention back to his wolves and waited for them to come closer. “I want to personally thank all of you for your support today, but we’re not done. Others are out there hiding and waiting, so keep your eyes open. Find them and destroy them as they would destroy us and the world as we know it. Not only are my life and my mate’s in danger, but also my whole family and your families. Yes, we all need to change our ways, and soon. We will speak of those changes, but for now, watch your backs and be ready.” He sighed. “Even I didn’t want to listen to the signs, but I was wrong, and I’m sorry for being so stubborn in ignoring my destiny, but nothing will stop us now. Thank you again for your support. Go now and be ready for my call.”
The wolves howled, their song loud enough for everyone for miles to hear as they honored Raul as their leader. They turned and headed in all directions, leaving only Raul’s uncles, who stepped forward and shifted.
“We will be here to escort you tonight. I suggest you fly with her there or have her father take the women to the club. Do you have any idea which member of the club was using dark magic?” his uncle Thad asked.
Lucid stepped up to Raul’s side. “No, we haven’t made it there yet. I’ll go in early and set up guards. I already have two men at each door and three men protecting the room that was revealed to us, where we’ll hold the ceremony. We will find the one, and we can hope that the casting spell in the club will also reveal who the traitor is.”
“I’ll go before you leave and make sure the wards are standing. We won’t be staying. But I’ve called in some help from the council, and they’ve agreed to send four of the highest—power level wizards they have,” Adora said, joining them. “These four men have a personal vendetta against Herminio, so they will help.” A tear rolled down her cheek.
Raul bowed his head. “I’m truly sorry you have to deal with this, but I also thank you for your help. Without you and your family, we would have had a huge disadvantage.” He kissed her cheek.
“Watch it, boy.” Gael appeared next to her. “She’s spoken for.” He wrapped his arm around his wife and pulled her back against him.
She laughed, patting his arm.
“You are family, Raul. We’ll always be there for you if you need us. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing your family more over the coming year too. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go rest before dinner.” She touched his arm. “Don’t be too hard on Bella. She’s never had a family who would or could protect her, so she would do anything to protect you and your pack.”
He nodded, not promising anything, but Raul had decided her punishment wouldn’t be harsh. She was already tired and needed her strength for tonight.
“I better go and get this done so your granddaughter can also rest. It’s going to be a long evening,” he said and turned to look at Lucid. “You ready?”
“Yes, I’m better, Let’s go see our woman.” Lucid moved around the side of the house to the back porch and climbed the stairs. “I hate the thought of those people in the house.” He looked at Raul.
“Not to worry, we cleaned and cleansed the house. All the negative vibes are gone,” Adora said, following them inside.
Tank was seated on the chair in the living room, watching Charley, who sat in the corner of the room with her back facing them.
Raul sighed, knowing someone had gotten her butt spanked. Raul nodded to Tank before making his way into the master bedroom. Lucid stayed behind, speaking to Charley in a low voice about how disappointed he was with her.
As Raul entered their bedroom, Bella was naked and kneeling with her nose pressed against the wall, waiting for him. Mario sat on the chair next to her with the paddle dangling from the arm of the chair.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Bella closed her eyes and leaned her head against the wall. She hated disappointing Raul and Lucid, but she would do it again if it would help her men. Then, there was Mario. The anger and hurt in his gaze had done her in. When her tears started to fall, she’d apologized to him, and he’d actually hugged her, comforting her.
“You are forgiven. Strip and sit in the corner with your nose touching the wall and do not move until your mate gets here,” he’d said and made sure she saw the paddle in his hand.
She stiffened, knowing when her man had stepped into the house. Her hands and jaw shook, and she was afraid to see the disappointment in his gaze. His scent came to her before he entered the room.
Mario stood and leaned over her, then kissed the top of her head.
“I forgive you, Little Wolf, and I’ll see you tonight,” Mario said before leaving and closing the door. The click made her swallow, and a little whimper escaped her lips.
“Come here, Little Wolf,” Raul ordered in the voice of an alpha speaking to one of his own.
When she turned around, he was sitting where Mario had been and pointed to the spot between his legs. Bella hadn’t heard him move; he was as silent as the night. Behind him, Lucid stood, watching.
With her head down and tears rolling down her cheeks and onto the floor, she crawled to where he pointed. Bella sat back on her heels, staring down at her legs, her hands resting on her knees.
“Look up at me, Bella,” Raul commanded but didn’t touch her.
She lifted her head and could see the disappointment in his eyes. Her lips trembled, and the pain inside was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, and she never wanted to again.
“I had you in a safe place, and you purposely disobeyed me and Lucid. Not only that, you also disrespected my brother, who thinks the world of you.” Raul leaned forward and grasped her chin. “Why?” He held her there, staring into her gaze.
“I needed to help. You’re my family now, you and the pack.” She tried to pull back, but he held on to her. “I knew I could help.”
“Tell me, would you do it again?”
“Yes, but maybe, this time, I’d explain what I needed to do so Mario could plan it out,” she said. “It was wrong to tie him up, but it was wrong for him to lock us up too. I can’t be locked up in a room, Raul. I’m sorry.” That was one of the many flaws her masters would need to know. Charley had been helping her get over some of her fears, but being locked up still scared her, and because of that, Charley and Missy would be punished.
“What do you mean you can’t be locked up?” Lucid asked.
“I have some issues with that, I’m afraid. Charley and Maria have been trying to help me overcome them, but after growing up the way I did, there are some things that I can’t handle. Being locked inside a room is still a hard one for me. Again, I’m sorry.”
“Are you apologizing for putting yourself at risk or because you see yourself as having a flaw?” Lucid asked, coming around Raul’s chair and kneeling next to her.
“Both. You should have a strong woman standing next to you, not one with so many problems. I was mad and hurt, and that set Charley and Missy off, even though Missy didn’t understand what was going on. She just knew I was in pain, so they tied him up.”
“They were trying to make him understand what you were going through, weren’t they?” Raul asked.
“Yes. Charley knows what being locke
d up does to me. When I was small, before I found Charley, my so-called parents locked me in a closet so they didn’t have to watch me. I crawled around and got into everything.” She tried to pull back again, and Raul released her.
“We’ll deal with your phobia together. It’s not a flaw, Bella. You can’t help what was done to you, and you are strong enough for the both us, but that doesn’t mean it was smart to go out there in the open. You not only risked your life, but Charley and Missy’s too. What would have happened if our enemy had come across Mario when he was tied up? He couldn’t have protected himself,” Lucid said. “Did you leave him protected?”
Her heart sunk. She hadn’t realized she’d left a part of her family unprotected. “My God. Raul, I’m so, so sorry.” She got up and ran to the bathroom and shut the new door behind her. Bella slid down the door, trying to catch her breath. Her hands were shaking and the metal on the faucet in the sink started to melt, but she didn’t care. Steam rose out of the toilet as the water heated in the bowl.
He would hate her now. How could he not, let alone trust her? She’d lost everything. Sure, he’d have to mate with her to save millions of people, but he’d never trust her again. The bond Bella had felt starting to open between them would be closed. She’d be alone again, and she deserved to be this time.
“Bella, open the door, Little Mite,” Raul ordered.
“How can you talk to me?” Or even use the pet name he’d given to her? Bella shook her head. “Your brother could have been killed, and it would have been all my fault. I’m so, so sorry. I failed you both,” she cried as she pulled her knees up, wrapped her arms around them and buried her head against them. She was so upset, Bella barely noticed Raul pushing the door open, sliding her and the small rug she sat on away from it just far enough for him to slip inside.
“You’re going to make yourself sick, Little Mite,” Raul said, lifting her into his arms.
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